‘Stranger Things’ Cast Is No Stranger To The Music Scene

BY: MACKENZI BROWN

At this point, we have all heard of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things and if you have not, then look around because you might just be living in the Upside Down yourself. But, what some of you may not know is that not only do these child stars have remarkable acting skills, the majority of them also seem to have unspoken musical talent. (As if we did not love them enough already.) Here is a collection of the Stranger Things‘ cast off-screen feats.

Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven)

Aside from saving her friends from imminent demise, Eleven actress Millie Brown has a passion for music. Up until recently when she deleted her Youtube account, she regularly uploaded videos of herself performing covers of songs from John Legend to Amy Winehouse, whom was her biggest inspiration. A lot of people can sing well, but what truly makes Brown’s vocal talent more admirable is the fact that she is completely deaf in one ear. She even said during an interview with Variety magazine that “if [she] sounds bad, [she does not] care because [she] is just doing what [she] loves.” Watch her sing “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse here:

Caleb McLaughlin (Lucas)

If you thought that all of the kids from Stranger Things made their debut in the series, you would be wrong. McLaughlin (along with co-star Gatten Matarazzo) began their lives in the spotlight on Broadway. McLaughlin played the role of Young Simba in The Lion King. Check out his performance of “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” below:

Gatten Matarazzo (Dustin)

As stated above, Matarazzo also made his premiere in the limelight on Broadway for his role as Benjamin in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Gavroche/Petit Gervais in Les Miserables, and Jesus in the 2011 version of Godspell. Fun fact: he also appears in the music video for “Swish Swish” by Katy Perry ft. Nicki Minaj. Listen to his beautiful voice sing the national anthem at a Mets game back in 2015 here:

Noah Schnapp (Will)

Maybe Will Byers has spent too much time in the Upside Down to really focus on his musical talents, but with the exception of appearing in Panic! At The Disco’s music video for “LA Devotee,” Schnapp seems to be content just sticking with his acting career. Plus, if he continues to play roles just as convincing and seamless as he does in Stranger Things, an acting career is all this kid will need.

Charlie Heaton (Jonathan)

Jonathan Byers is a lone wolf who is a little strange and has a deep appreciation for photography and music. Therefore, it is only fitting that Jonathan actor Charlie Heaton is in a band back in real life. He previously played drums for alternative/noise rock/punk glam/death metal band called Comanechi. Although he does not seem to be in the band any longer, Heaton has posted a few pictures on his Instagram of himself playing the drums with the caption “Back at it!” Although he may or may not be reviving his role in Comanechi, we can be sure to expect great things from him. Check out Comaneci’s Spotify here.

Joe Keery (Steve)

When Steve made his first appearance in season one, he instantly became a heart throb despite his “too cool for school” and “I’m better than everyone else because I’m an athlete” persona. (Lets be real: we all know it was only because of the hair. ) But, he did manage to redeem himself in season two with his newfound identity as ‘Dad Steve’ which only made the girls swoon harder. But ladies, just when you thought ole Steve couldn’t get any better, wait until you find out that Steve actor Joe Keery plays the guitar and sings for the Chicago psych-rock band Post Animal. Dad Steve by day. Daddy Steve by night.

Finn Wolfhard (Mike)

Can we all just take a vow right now to protect this kid at all costs? He can act. He can sing. He plays guitar. AND, he has a beautiful and keen eye when directing film. Make sure to keep in mind that is he only fourteen years old. Mike captured all of our hearts with his undying loyalty to his friends and family along with his (secret?) love for Eleven. Finn Wolfhard continues to do the same in real life with his love for music and the arts. He is currently in a band called Calpurnia that, according to news sources, is actually going to begin recording sometime next week. As for now, you can check out a couple covers that they have done and posted on their Youtube channel. These include “Wanted You” by Twin Peaks, “Where Is My Mind” by The Pixies, and a solo cover of “Cooking Up Something Good” by Mac Demarco. The latter gained attention by Demarco himself, which resulted in Wolfhard making a surprise appearance at Demarco’s concert in Atlanta this past May to join him on stage to shred some guitar.

(Fun fact: Finn did a cover of co-star Joe Keery’s band, Post Animal, and sent it to him which made Joe cry.)

In addition, Wolfhard has managed to merge his acting talent with his adoration of alternative music by appearing in a few different music videos. He appears in Canadian punk-rock band PUP’s “Guilt Trip” (2014) and “Sleep in the Heat” (2016). In addition, he stars in the Spendtime Palace’s music video for their hit song “Sonora” which he co-directed with his friend Josh Ovalle.